Graduates were recognized and celebrated during the annual Honors Convocation held Friday, May 17. Students were recognized in the categories of graduation honors, departmental honors, Honors Program graduates, and the Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Award, among others.

This year’s Lincoln Laureate, Adam Perez ’13 of Racine, Wisconsin, delivered the convocation address. Perez, a music education major with minors in theology and church music, will be pursuing a Master of Arts in Religion degree in the Music and Religion program at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music.

Senior Leah Laky of Grand Marais, Minnesota, received the inaugural Zondervan Theology Award. For the award: The theology department will select an outstanding student based on his or her overall contribution to the classroom, community and the department. The student should exhibit a cheerful spirit. Preference will be given to a student who has made extra-curricular contributions outside of the theology department.

Laky served in Trinity’s Social Justice Chapter and as a resident assistant. She performed in the Wind Ensemble, the Concert Choir, and the Honors Ensemble. She called her experience in the theology and music departments “the most transformative” during her four years. “The professors and students interact at such an adult and friendly level,” she said. “The professors are true gems of Christ’s body, and I’m blessed to know them and call them my teachers.”

The Ethnic Diversity Committee recognized Samuel Lankah ’13 of Warrenville, Illinois, with the Catherine Yonker Award. During his time on campus, Lankah has served as the president of Student Association, chair of the Multicultural Committee, and resident assistant. He has also participated in varsity athletics, service trips, and other activities during his four years.

The litany, led by Academic Initiative Chairperson Matthew Wydra ’15 of Tinley Park, Illinois, was written by Andrew Blok ’13 of Lynden, Washington. The closing prayer was offered by Kathryn Woodside ’15, 2012-13 student association president.